Pictured Above: Bob with his wife Mary, two boys, and their families, and his mother.

Robert W. Pritchard (R-Hinckley) is the Illinois State Representative for the 70th district, serving the residents in portions of DeKalb, Boone, and Kane Counties. Bob has been serving in the Illinois House since 2003.

Biography Bob was born February 2, 1945, and grew up on a farm near Maple Park, Illinois on a diversified farm that including growing corn, soybeans, oats, alfalfa, dairy, beef, horses, and chickens. Farm life instilled a strong work ethic, responsibility and faith in God. He met is wife, Mary, at the University of Illinois and they married in 1968. She, an educator, is Associate Dean at Northern Illinois University. Bob, Mary and their family continue to operate the family farms, now in its 6th generation. Their sons, Matthew (Ro) and Gregory (Becky) have two children with a third on the way.

Education Bob majored in communications from the University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign) earning both his bachelors and masters degree. Bob's passion for agriculture and his education in communication gave him the unique opportunity to enjoy working in both fields.

Professional LifeBeginning as a Radio and TV broadcaster for a regional station in Iowa, Bob delivered the news and weather reports. He broadened his communications skills working for two universities, operated the family farm for five years and then worked for over 23 years in public relations, marketing, community relation and industry affairs for DeKalb Genetics Corporation/ Monsanto. Prior to joining the legislature he served as Executive Director of the Illinois Agricultural Leadership Foundation.

Community Leader Bob has always been an energetic and busy contributor to the communities of DeKalb County. He volunteered for the Ben Gordon Mental Health Board (where he served as president and treasurer); the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce Board; county, state and national 4-H Foundation (serving as state board president), national FFA Foundation Board, and the national Agricultural Relations Council (where he served as president). Pritchard was elected to the Hinckley-Big Rock Board of Education, DeKalb County Farm Bureau Board and DeKalb County Board where he served as chairman.

Legislative HistoryBob has diligently worked for the betterment of the district on a wide gamut of issues from early childhood and education, healthcare, conservation and the environment, job creation, and protecting the manufacturing industry. The values of hard work, dedication and persistence that were instilled in Bob from his earliest years are reflected in his philosophy of representing his constituents. He listens, studies the issues and works for the best interests of his district and the citizens of Illinois.